Good morning, dear ones!
There are certain words that have become all the "buzz" in popular culture that we just skip over. And, I think our word this week is one of them.
Boundary: a line or limit where one thing ends and another begins.
It's common these days for someone to talk about their boundaries. You might hear someone declaring what is and isn't their job at work. You might hear a parent say that their child will or will not get a phone until a certain age. Or, you might even hear someone talking about boundaries around their holiday tables-- who will and won't be invited this year.
There's nothing wrong with this. Setting boundaries around your life can be some of the bravest work you do.
Boundaries preserve your energy to be fully present. Boundaries help you live out your values. Boundaries help keep you and your loved ones safe.
But, boundaries can also keep OUT some of the best parts of life too if you love a boundary too much . . .
If your story is anything like mine, there are walls you have built up over the years. Stories you don't talk about. Memories you don't revisit. Trust you don't offer others, even the best of folks. All because of your boundaries.
Yet, sometimes the most spiritual work you and I can do is to let down some of our boundary lines when the time comes.
You can say the thing you are most afraid to say aloud.
You can make a friend when your lonely heart thought you weren't true friend material with such a quality person.
You can believe in your own hopes and dreams enough that you seek out professional help to make it possible.
Makes me think of the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3. To everything there is a season . . . There is a season for boundary setting in your life, but there also is a season for freedom.
So, I'm wondering, where are you being nudged toward letting some of your boundary lines fall this week?
XO
Elizabeth
